Dan joined the practice in 2019 having previously worked for a regional firm culminating as Head of Rural Tax.

Having grown up on a dairy farm on the Dorset/Somerset border, Dan spent a number of years working in agriculture before becoming a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Tax Adviser. Harnessing both his practical and professional experience, Dan has spent the last decade advising farming businesses across the region on a wide range of issues.

Passionate about his work, Dan specialises in succession planning and restructuring, helping farming families to implement change, accomplish their ambition and enhance the legacy for future generations.

Dan is a keen shot in the field or facing the trap and thoroughly enjoys supporting his young son on the football field.

Margaret has been in practice in the South West for over 20 years after qualifying as a Certified Chartered Accountant in London. Margaret is frequently called upon to help with partnership capital tax planning and family business reorganisations.

Margaret is a member of the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants and has been a member of the CLA National Taxation Committee, the Somerset CLA Committee, Cannington College Corporation and the Bath & West Conference Committee in the past. Margaret farms with her husband on the Somerset and Devon border. She is a keen supporter of Young Farmers and is a club leader and is on the advisory of Honiton YFC. Entertaining family and friends takes up much of Margaret’s spare time.

Mark previously worked alongside one of our directors, Dan Knight and our Senior Tax Manager, Victoria Paley at a regional practice. Mark brings along a wealth of experience in both accountancy and rural life having grown up helping on his family farm with both the practical side and the VAT returns from an early age. His passion for agriculture, interest in business and desire to help others grew after he graduated from Harper Adams University.

Mark specialises in business strategy, structure and tax planning with agriculture.

Alice joined Evolution ABS in July 2013 after completing her A Levels at the Woodroffe School. She has completed her AAT with Richard Huish College, and was nominated for higher apprentice of the year in Somerset and finished in the top 3. Alice became a fully qualified Chartered Certified accountant in May 2018, and has since completed her Payroll Technician Certificate and oversees our payroll department.

In her spare time, she is an active member of Axminster Young Farmers, and enjoys being in the countryside and walking her two dogs. She also enjoys helping her family and her husband on their dairy farms in East Devon.

Growing up on a Dairy farm in East Devon, Callum joined Evolution ABS in 2010 and qualified as a Certified Chartered Accountant in 2015. Callum looks after a wide variety of clients, helping them meet their accountancy, payroll and tax needs.

Outside of work, Callum is a very keen sportsman and particularly enjoys a game of golf or playing football for his local club.

Keira recently relocated from Kent and joined Evolution in March 2024. She started her career as an ACA trainee in 2010 with an accountancy practice specialising in the rural sector in the South East. After qualifying she progressed through to the position of client manager, managing a portfolio of clients with a variety of rural businesses through out the South and East of the country. As a manager she primarily spends her time assisting clients with the wide ranging accounts and tax queries which inevitably arise in the rural sector.

Outside of the office Keira enjoys spending time with family and friends and looking after her two horses.

Victoria joined the practice in July 2019 having worked in accountancy and tax in the rural sector since 2010. As a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser Victoria spends most of her time advising family farming businesses on Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax matters primarily in relation to succession planning and capital transactions.

Outside of work Victoria spends most of her time running around after her two young children and riding her horse. Having always loved to travel, Victoria hopes to resume exploring the world with her family once the children are a little older!

Ellie started with Evolution ABS in April 2010 and became a fully qualified as a Chartered Certified accountant in December 2015. She focuses on a portfolio of a range of clients, from farming to plumbing, providing valuable support in all aspects of accountancy and taxation.

Having grown up on a dairy farm in Dorset, Ellie later moved to Devon in 1998. She now lives with her husband and two young sons on their family farm in East Devon, where they raise beef, sheep, and grow arable crops. When she gets the chance, Ellie enjoys being outdoors with her boys, who share their dad’s passion for farming. She also enjoys moments spent with family and friends and the occasional bit of retail therapy when time allows!

Ellie can be contacted in the office on Mondays – Thursdays.

Lou has been an integral part of Margaret's team since 2006, bringing with her a wealth of expertise as a qualified Chartered Certified Accountant. With a particular focus on an agricultural portfolio, as well as experience with several Estates, Lou thrives on assisting clients with all facets of accountancy and taxation, ensuring that they receive tailored advice that meets their unique needs.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Lou is a devoted mother to her young daughter, Olivia, with whom she shares a passion for the great outdoors. Together, they relish the opportunity to visit Lou's parents' farm, where they lend a helping hand whenever possible. Lou's enthusiasm for adventure extends to her love of horse riding, and she can often be found cheering on the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.

Lou is available Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays to tackle any query that may arise.

Rosie joined Evolution ABS in 2012 and became ACCA qualified in July 2017 and has been a client manager for 4 years.

When Rosie isn’t working, she is very active within Young Farmers and is currently the National Federation of Young Farmers Ex-Officio chairman so remains on the board of management to assist with the high-level running of the organisation.

She also enjoys showing Holstein Dairy Cattle, helping her parents on their dairy and poultry farm and cycling.

Peter joined the practice in July 2023 having worked in accountancy and tax in the rural sector since 2013. As a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser, Peter spends most of his time advising family farming businesses on Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax matters primarily in relation to succession planning and capital transactions.

Outside of work, Peter spends much of his time persuading his children to join him cycling, fishing or making music.

Chloe joined Evolution ABS in September 2020 after graduating from The Royal Agricultural University in July 2020, where she studied BSc (Hons) Rural Land Management.

Chloe has recently completed her ACCA qualification.

In her spare time Chloe enjoys helping out on her parents dairy and arable farms, and playing hockey.

Dawn has been part of the team since April 2018, having progressed her career at a firm specialising in the agricultural industry, and completed her ACCA Qualification in October 2019.

Dawn grew up on her family robotic dairy farm in Mid Devon and is now an active member of Withleigh Young Farmers. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and keeping busy in her greenhouse.

Becky has been part of the team since 2018. Having achieved her AAT qualification in 2019, she has more recently attained her ATT qualification.

Outside of work, Becky enjoys spending time with her family and getting involved on their mixed arable and beef farm. Becky has previously been club treasurer for Wiveliscombe Young Farmers and held a leadership position within Girl Guiding, although she has set these roles aside to focus on her studies.

Chloe joined the Evolution ABS team in July 2017 as an apprentice accountant after completing her A Levels at The King’s School, Ottery St. Mary. She has recently completed her ACCA exams and is now a qualified Chartered Certified Accountant.

Outside of work, Chloe enjoys riding her horse and walking her dog in her free time alongside photography.

Fay joined Margaret's previous firm of accountants in 2007 as an apprentice and moved with Margaret when Evolution ABS started in November 2009. Fay has qualified in both Association of Accounting Technician and Association of Taxation Technician.

In Fay's spare time she enjoys catching up with friends, walking with her family and their dog in the countryside or on the netball court shooting some hoops.

Fay can be contacted in the office from Tuesday to Thursday 9am to 3pm.

Emma-May joined the firm in August 2019 following her A Levels and is now studying towards her ACCA qualification.

In her spare time, Emma does Karate and is a Girlguiding Leader, she also enjoys spending time with her friends.

Ethan joined Evolution ABS in September 2020 after completing his A-Levels at Richard Huish College and is now studying towards his AAT Level 4 qualification.

When Ethan isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Hugh joined the team in March 2021 having previously worked in the arboricultural industry. He has since studied and passed his Level 4 AAT qualification.

Outside of work, Hugh enjoys field sports and is a keen rugby player and cricketer. He is also the treasurer and groundsman at Crowcombe Cricket Club.

Katie started at Evolution ABS in August 2019 after doing her A Levels at Richard Huish College whilst working the office of her family business. She is currently studying towards her ACCA qualification.

In her spare time, Katie is an active member of Honiton Young Farmers and enjoys helping out on the family farm.

Megan joined Evolution ABS in July 2023 after graduating from Plymouth University in June 2023, having studied BSc (Hons) Agricultural management.

Megan is now working towards attaining her ACCA qualification.

In her spare time, Megan enjoys cooking, walking, and spending time with her friends and family.

Ollie joined the team in July 2024 having completed his Accounting and Finance degree at the University of Southampton and is now studying towards his ACCA.

Outside of work, Ollie enjoys following the Formula One, walking his dog and spending time with friends and family.

Abby joined Evolution ABS in September 2024, following her graduation from the University of Bath where she completed a Master of Science in Finance with Risk Management. Abby is now working towards to her ACCA qualification.

Outside of work, Abby enjoys baking, crocheting and spending quality time with her friends and family.

Dani joined Evolution ABS in August 2019 and completed her AAT studies in August 2022. Dani coordinates our internal finances alongside Callum and Margaret. Dani also forms part of our Tax Team and assists Dan, Victoria and Peter with the delivery of various tax and trust projects.

Sitting on our Marketing Committee, she plays a big part in the delivery of our newsletter, ‘The Inside Track’, along with arranging our annual tent at the Honiton Agricultural Show.

Dani grew up on a dairy farm in East Devon and is a past member of Honiton Young Farmers Club. When Dani is not working, she enjoys being out in the countryside with her Cocker Spaniel, Bella.

Nic joined the team in October 2024, having worked in law firms since 2014. Nic plays a vital role in facilitating the efficiency of the community through her support with administrative tasks. This function is essential in ensuring that operations run smoothly and that her colleagues can focus on their primary responsibilities.

In her spare time, Nic is busy running around after her three young children and enjoying coffee with friends and family.